NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 20: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a three-point shot during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden on January 20, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 126-120. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks are three wins away from a championship after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
The Knicks delivered a physical performance to seal the win. It wasn’t easy playing in a hostile environment in San Antonio, especially after star point guard Jalen Brunson went to the locker room in the first quarter. He returned, was fouled a couple of times, but didn’t get the calls.
That didn’t matter, as the 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year got the job done late—putting the Knicks ahead by two, then hitting a shot to make it 101-95 and seal the win.
The Knicks also had key contributions from players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. Towns is an aggressive big man who can shoot from the perimeter, making it tough for San Antonio to defend in Game 1.
Bridges makes a major impact defensively, and when he’s hitting shots on offense, he’s an even bigger contributor—as he has been throughout his career.
The Knicks also excelled defensively, getting great minutes off the bench from players like Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet and Deuce McBride. Each made an impact, with all three hitting key shots.
The Spurs, despite trailing 1-0, still have home-court advantage with Game 2 set for Saturday night. Victor Wembanyama struggled from three, going 4-for-9, and may need to rely more on his midrange and post game. The Spurs will look to even the series in Game 2.
The Knicks also snapped San Antonio’s streak of six straight wins in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Spurs are now 6-1 in Game 1s as a franchise. New York steals one in San Antonio, putting pressure on the Spurs to win at home before heading to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4.
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